To access Lyell Canyon via the John Muir Trail, begin across the road from the Dog Lake parking area (Tuolumne Meadows Shuttle Stop #2) This nearly flat trail wanders through Lyell Canyon, mostly alongside the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne river. It is a route well traveled by those hiking the 211-mile John Muir Trail. Unless you're hiking to Mount Whitney (190 miles away), this hike really has no destination. The trail may be muddy early in the season. You will travel over several creeks, including Rafferty Creek (bridged) and Ireland Creek (unbridged). Spectacular Kuna Creek cascades down the side of the east canyon wall near the eight-mile mark.